1806 Susan Hoopes Darlington Pennsylvania Quaker sampler

Early 19th century American Ouaker schoolgirl sampler made by Susan Hoopes in southeastern Pennsylvania, most likely Chester County. Susan (spelled in some records as Susanna) was born May 2, 1796 to Jesse Hoopes and Amy Cope. She married Abraham Darlington in 1819 and died in 1872, so she was 10 years old when she stitched her sampler.

Dozens of initials are placed between typical Quaker bird and flower motifs, all worked with silk thread on coarse linen, with her “SH” and the date 1806 in the center. Stitches are all cross stitches except for an “S” begun (but not quite finished) in Queen’s stitch near the upper right corner. Silk colors have faded slightly, although they are more vibrant than the main photo appears due to the glass.

Sight area of the sampler is 9-3/4″ high by 12-1/4″ wide, with frame adding an additional inch. Colors have faded slightly, but the dominant green is still a lovely shade.

Condition appears generally very good, although the sampler has not been examined out of the frame. No stitch loss, worn fabric areas or holes, although there are some water stains and small blotches to the ground fabric. The frame has some small rubbed areas and a loose corner but it is sturdy and ready to hang. The paper backing is torn and should be replaced. Handwritten on the back is “Made by Susan Hooper Darlington 1806 (Mrs. Faxon)”. A Kansas City MO framer’s label probably from the 1940s or 50s is also on the back.

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